Native American black magic is a deeply rooted aspect of their spiritual practices and beliefs. It encompasses various rituals, spells, and supernatural abilities that are used for both positive and negative purposes. The main idea here is that black magic is a significant aspect of Native American cultures and is used both positively and negatively. Black magic, or "witchcraft," in Native American cultures, is not necessarily seen as evil or malicious. Instead, it is viewed as a tool to harness the supernatural powers of the spirit world and the natural elements. Native American tribes have long practiced these magical traditions, which vary from tribe to tribe and even among individuals within the same tribe.
Native American tribes have long practiced these magical traditions, which vary from tribe to tribe and even among individuals within the same tribe. Many Native American tribes believe that black magic can be used for healing, protection, and gaining spiritual guidance. They utilize herbs, animal parts, and rituals to tap into the spiritual realm and manipulate the energies around them.
Native Americans to J.K. Rowling: We’re Not Magical
The author has come under fire for equating Navajo religious beliefs with the world of her fictional Harry Potter characters.
By Becky Little Published March 11, 2016 • 4 min read Share Tweet EmailIn Peter Pan, Tiger Lilly and her tribe are part of the magical landscape of Neverland. In Twilight, some Quileute people are born with the ability to turn into wolves (just ask anyone on “Team Jacob”). Now, in J.K. Rowling’s new digital story collection, History of Magic in North America, Navajo traditions are placed in the same fictional world as Harry Potter.
Rowling’s new collection equates “skin walkers”—a Navajo term for people who turn into animals—with Animagi, the type of witches and wizards who morph into animals in her Harry Potter series. These details were first revealed when Rowling released a promotional trailer this week; the entire story collection is now available online.
Immediately, many scholars and fans responded with criticism, just as people did three years ago when Johnny Depp played Tonto in The Lone Ranger, and in past instances when white writers and actors have employed stereotypes of Native Americans in storytelling.
The first issue, says Leanne Howe, a Choctaw Nation citizen and co-editor of Seeing Red—Hollywood's Pixeled Skins, is that Rowling attributes the tradition of skin walkers to all Native Americans of the pre-Columbian era, as though they were a monolithic group with one set of beliefs.
The second problem is that Native American traditions are equated with magic. This is part of a long history of white Americans and Europeans trivializing native beliefs. (Rowling’s publisher, Pottermore, told National Geographic that it has no comment on the controversy.)
“I would never, never use the term ‘magic’ in relation to native practices and belief,” Howe says. Native people “simply cannot be respected and given respect in the 21st century” when their history and traditions are trivialized.
Fantasy is an important part of children’s literature, but problems arise when a race of people is constantly portrayed as magical, and therefore fictional.
“We are … fighting everyday for the protection of our sacred sites from being destroyed,” scholar Adrienne Keene writes on her blog Native Appropriations. “If Indigenous spirituality becomes conflated with fantasy ‘magic’—how can we expect lawmakers and the public to be allies in the protection of these spaces?”
There is another, more subtle, layer to the depiction of Native Americans as magical, fictional beings—they end up being portrayed as though they don’t exist. Howe refers to this as “the trope of the vanishing Indian.”
“The vanishing American Indian is in art, it’s in stories—we’re the so-called Last of the Mohicans,” she says. “We exist in the minds of mainstream America as dead and forgotten because the white Americans won the American West.”
When native traditions are constantly depicted as relics, it gives the impression that those traditions—and the more than 5 million native people in the United States—don’t exist anymore. Think of the Native American characters you’ve encountered in books and movies. How many of them were portrayed as characters from the past, and how many of them were depicted as people in the modern world? (Modern characters that are also magical don’t count—I’m still looking at you, Twilight.)
On a more basic level, the stereotypes of the “vanishing Indian,” the magical medicine man, or even the noble savage dehumanize the people they profess to represent. Children read books to learn, but also to identify with the characters. For native children, this presents a problem if most of the images they see of themselves are otherworldly, long gone, or sports mascots.
“These stereotypes hurt us in terms of our human rights,” says Howe. “You cannot have civil rights, you can’t really have human rights or be thought of in a significant way, if you are invisible and you’re dead. So the trope of the vanishing American Indian is in a way undermining the humanity of native people because the assumption is we’re dead, or there’s just a few of us left.”
These practices are often passed down through generations within the tribe, with specific individuals being selected as healers or spiritual leaders due to their innate abilities and knowledge. However, black magic in Native American cultures is not limited to positive uses. It can also be employed for negative purposes such as revenge, causing harm, or gaining personal power over others. There is a belief that certain individuals possess the ability to inflict curses and harm through supernatural means, often using spells or rituals tied to dark forces. Despite the widespread belief and practice of black magic among Native American tribes, there are also those who view it with skepticism or fear. Some individuals within the tribes consider it taboo or even dangerous to engage in such practices. This divide reflects the diversity within Native American cultures and the varying beliefs and perspectives held by different individuals and groups within these communities. In conclusion, Native American black magic is an integral part of their spiritual practices and beliefs. It encompasses a range of rituals, spells, and supernatural abilities that are used for both positive and negative purposes. While some tribes view it as a powerful tool for healing and guidance, others perceive it as taboo or potentially harmful. The extent and nature of black magic practices within Native American cultures vary greatly, reflecting the diversity within these communities..
Reviews for "Native American Voodoo: Diving into the Dark World of Black Magic"
John - 1 star
I found "Native american black magic" to be highly offensive and culturally insensitive. It perpetuates harmful stereotypes about indigenous cultures and distorts their spiritual practices. The book lacks any depth or understanding of Native American traditions and reduces them to a mere tool for sensationalism. I cannot recommend this book to anyone who values cultural respect and accurate representation.
Emily - 2 stars
"Native american black magic" tries too hard to be mysterious and intriguing, but ultimately falls flat. The plot is confusing and poorly developed, with shallow characters and a lack of depth. The use of Native American mythology feels forced and stereotypical, adding to the disappointment. The writing style is full of clichés and lacks creativity. I was hoping for a more authentic exploration of the Native American culture, but this book missed the mark.
Michael - 1 star
I was deeply disappointed by "Native american black magic". The portrayal of Native American culture is highly problematic and appropriative. The author seems to be more interested in exploiting the mysticism associated with indigenous cultures rather than understanding and respecting them. The plot is weak and predictable, and the characters are one-dimensional. I would not recommend wasting your time with this book if you are looking for an authentic and respectful representation of Native American traditions.